The Equestrians' Institute Eventing Division is dedicated to the continuing education of its members through clinics and seminars. In addition, E.I. hosts a recognized United States Eventing Association (USEA) Horse Trials as a means of supporting the larger Eventing community. EI Eventing includes members across all skill and experience levels, both professional and amateur, in a supportive program that promotes communication and camaraderie. Participating members can develop and strengthen their horsemanship knowledge and riding skills as well integrate with the network of Eventing enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest region. In preparation for competition and as part of every rider's growing education, E.I. has provided many educational opportunities for Eventers in the Pacific Northwest.

ABOUT EVENTING
Eventing is a three part equestrian event which comprises dressage, cross-country jumping and show-jumping. Competitions in our region are usually conducted over two or three days but may also be conducted as a One Day Event with all 3 phases on the same day. Eventing has its roots as a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding - an equestrian triathlon! It is also called Three Day Eventing (a full three-day includes a longer cross country test often with steeplechase, and more challenging dressage and show jumping tests)..

The Dressage phase tests the ability of the horse and rider to communicate and to execute precise movements in an arena with elegance and poise. Dressage is important in conditioning and training the horse to be supple, balanced and obedient for the jumping phases. Cross-country jumping is the most exciting phase and the one most Eventing riders (and horses) enjoy most. Riders negotiate natural obstacles such as logs, ditches, and water crossings. Show Jumping is the third phase of Eventing, and tests the ability of horse and rider to obediently and accurately negotiate a course of show jumps which can be easily knocked down by tired legs after galloping across country the previous day.

E.I. ACTIVITIES
Clinics and seminars:
The following are planned for 2006:

Cross-Country schooling days will be scheduled from April to October at E.I.'s own course located at Donida Farm in Auburn, WA., and other locations
Clinics with local and national instructors at various sites
Dressage clinic – ride a complete test in front of a judge, receive your score and feedback, and then ride the test again.
Seminars on basic horsemanship skills are conducted in conjunction with other E. I. disciplines.
As these activities are scheduled for 2006 they will be posted on the Website Eventing Calendar. If you know of a clinician who might be of interest to the Eventing community please contact the Eventing director; we welcome suggestions. We also welcome volunteers for our activities – it’s a great way to meet people.

Competitions:
The 2006 E.I. Horse Trials at Donida Farm, Auburn WA (BN-P) are scheduled for September 23-24.

Please see the EI website Eventing calendar for links to recognized and unrecognized shows in our area (Area V11), including those in Oregon and other neighboring states.


Check out show pictures here.

If you are interested in Eventing in Washington State, please contact one of our officials found here. or look at the Calendar or the Eventing ShowOffice for current events.